Oculus Rift

Helix

Just had a meeting with Brendan and the guys there to have a hands on with the rift and I can safely say that it's the future. They reckon they're a fair bit off a consumer release but it's already mind blowing. Resolution is only 640x480 per eye, but it genuinely looks great. They reckon there's a new gen of optics out early next year that'll mean a huge jump is resolution, with the end game goal of 4k

I was very skeptical about it but holy hell...I'm blown away

o1s1n

Oooh, I want to try!!!

wes

If they pull of 4K, and if it is as good as I have heard from the online previews, then this will be an instant buy for me. The technology is definitely something I am excited about, and hopefully they pull it off.

Helix

It won't be 4k on release. From what they were saying that's a long way off but definitely the end game for the hardware family

Vorrtexx

Carmack had a great talk during his Quakecon keynote about all his VR experiments and how he came into contact with Palmer Luckey and his Oculus Rift prototype.

Really interesting stuff for anyone interested. His Keynote talk is very long though!

deathrider

We had a bit of a chat about this on the latest podcast. I knew nothing about it, but Richie was giving me the lowdown. I certainly wasn't convinced, but when I watched their Kickstarter video, my tune changed. I'm all types of intrigued about this now.

Genghiz Cohen

Does anyone have anything negative to say about this?
All I'm hearing is "OMG 10/10!" and the like.
What's the worst thing about this product?!

Skatedude

i have a developer pack coming in December so should have some first hand info then.
But the 640x480 was a dissapointment. i haven't seen a pc running that low a resolution in years,( i run at 6080x1080) but hopefully it will be upped to at least 1080p in later versions.

But it's looking like this will be the first VR kit that actually works the way it was ment to

balkieb2002

Genghiz Cohen wrote: »

Does anyone have anything negative to say about this?
All I'm hearing is "OMG 10/10!" and the like.
What's the worst thing about this product?!

Not really suited to you, if you wear normal glasses but not contact lenses

-( i )- Wicker

balkieb2002 wrote: »

Not really suited to you, if you wear normal glasses but not contact lenses

Do you really need to wear glasses if the screens are that close to your eyes? Maybe if you're long-sighted

Hercule

What's the worst thing about this product?!

well theres the whole "making your eyes bleed/fall out" thing.

I am puzzled as to how I am not the only one who thinks that this Oculus Rift and other VR headsets are like the hovercars of gaming - Despite iterations/prototypes constantly coming out, they will almost always be just over the horizon.

I simply cannot see this being succesful - Carmack's recent (technological) efforts have been really innovative and interesting ideas that end up being being bastardized into sub standard products by the "powers that be" - Megatextures = ET:QW , browser based gaming = Quake Live, ID tech 5 Engine = Rage. All of these had massive potential but are made irrelevant (I choose to blame activision for this)

Shiminay

I did like that Carmack said that you won't need to wear glasses to use them because he will be able to apply the necessary corrections in software

Genghiz Cohen

Shiminay wrote: »

I did like that Carmack said that you won't need to wear glasses to use them because he will be able to apply the necessary corrections in software

Surely if its just a screen that's impossible. Each pixel of the screen would still be out of focus. You need to use lenses to get the pixels in focus, regardless of what is on the screen.

Ri_Nollaig

Genghiz Cohen wrote: »

Does anyone have anything negative to say about this?
All I'm hearing is "OMG 10/10!" and the like.
What's the worst thing about this product?!

I'd imagine the weight of the device itself could be a problem too. Anything heavier then a (...big) pair of glasses is probably going to become uncomfortable after awhile. Not to mention eye strain and headaches after any prolonged use.
I am still really looking forward to at least trying it anyway.

o1s1n

I was very tempted to buy one of those developer kits. When I decided to make the plunge and drop the $300, it was 19 hours passed the kickstarter close!

Probably for the best due to the low resolutions...still really want one now though!

Helix

Genghiz Cohen wrote: »

Does anyone have anything negative to say about this?
All I'm hearing is "OMG 10/10!" and the like.
What's the worst thing about this product?!

the fact that it doesnt exist beyond prototype yet

Helix

balkieb2002 wrote: »

Not really suited to you, if you wear normal glasses but not contact lenses

oh, well heres a thing for you... i wear glasses and the guys were asking about my eyesight. told them my prescription and they said lets give it a go without the glasses

we did

i could see crystal clear

IT MAKES ME SEE AGAIN!

Potential-Monke

How did i not hear anything about this?? This looks and sounds amazing. I reckon this will be an instant buy for me.

Just a quick question, is it a periphial for all consles/pc's?

Helix

afaik pc only initially at least

Potential-Monke

Best get to work on saving for that monster pc i'm going to build! Has to be done now so i can get this!

Helix

you've got while before youll be able to pick it up, so take your time :P

Headshot

Have been keeping an eye on this for ages now. I believe its the future of gaming tbh

Im very excited about it. It will breed new life into the FPS genre

hightower1

Was looking at a set of these a few weeks back on kick starter. Its so rare that someone takes and out there idea and really makes it work and make real world sense. If the next gen of consoles has these as an integral feature I would be more than delighted.

Im going to be upgrading my current gaming TV come next gen anyways so something like this for less than half the price of a decent tv would be a no brainer. Id love to be able share a room with the missus while gaming but in all fairness she'd never be able watch tv or read a book with all the action going on screen but I could throw myself out on the sofa with a set of these, some headphones and the console and work away no problem. Aside from looking like a tool that is.


If they upped the resolution, and made a console version for next gens release (with major devs backing of course) I'd be a day one purchaser.

If console manufacturers are looking for unique selling features for next gen they really should consider ether an exclusive partnership or an outright purchase of RIFT. It'd certainly trump the WiiU gimmick whilst leaving the 3rd party left holding the cheque of "who doesnt have a unique peripheral"

Helix

couldnt imagine the lads looking for any kind of exclusive partnership to be honest. they're very aware of what they've got on their hands, but they're also aware that they could charge $5000 per headset and get it. they have zero interest in that though. they picked their circa $300 release price and that's what they want to stick to. it'll mean that the tech becomes incrementally better with time, rather than coming down in price, but it's the option they reckon will allow most people to get their hands on it

the one thing ill say to people looking forward to this, is dont in any way shape or form expect it to be close to hd resolution when it launches. you'll probably be looking at the 3rd gen rift before they get to those numbers. i could of course be wrong there, but based on what the guys are saying they're held back by the current price of optics, and if it looks like there's a big cut on the horizon, they'll hold off the hardware release and integrate the newer optics instead.

it could be a long waiting game

bottom line is that the guys know how big this could be. not just for gaming either, for mankind. and im not taking the piss when i say that. the implications of this hardware working properly at the price they're aiming for are nothing short of endless

Potential-Monke

And i thought it was coming out the end of the year. Really should read more about these things.

And i know the 1st gen one won't be savage in all aspects, but i'm a sucker for these kind of things, so i know i'll end up getting it anyway.

satchmo

Yeah I got a demo of the prototype about a month ago, very impressive. The resolution isn't great, but the commercial kit will have a higher resolution, and anyway resolution is the sort of thing that will improve quickly with time. What really blew me away was the high FOV and low latency of the rotational tracker. They're planning to add positional tracking to the commercial kit too, that'll make a huge difference. Devkit ordered, looking forward to playing with it.

Headshot

Just read that this will be Hawken will support the rift

Now that will be epic

Headshot

New video out lads and a remodeled rift

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpV7qq1vyd4

Anyone here getting the dev kit?

Canis Lupus

What's wrong with looking at a screen? Could never see myself sitting at a pc with something like that on my head.

Oafley Jones

Anyone who's had hands-on with this seems to be blown away, the praise they're getting is off the chart. The talent that's getting behind it is kinda awe-inspiring by itself. Would love to try it out.

Icyseanfitz

Canis Lupus wrote: »

What's wrong with looking at a screen? Could never see myself sitting at a pc with something like that on my head.

oh come on, what gamer hasnt thought about VR, il definitly get one of these on release

Canis Lupus

Icyseanfitz wrote: »

oh come on, what gamer hasnt thought about VR, il definitly get one of these on release

Sure but I honestly can't see it being more than a gimmick that won't be used once the novelty has worn off.

o1s1n

Canis Lupus wrote: »

Sure but I honestly can't see it being more than a gimmick that won't be used once the novelty has worn off.

Motion controls are a gimmick. Being smack bang in the middle of a VR world with full headtracking is not a gimmick, it's the next truly interesting step in videogames and I for one cannot wait

Twilightning

Mirror's Edge is going to be terrifying with this headset! Possibilities are endless, especially for the likes of games like Amnesia.

Headshot

I personally think its one of these things that can revolutionise gaming. In the consumer version the position tracker will be unreal in it. Imagine playing a fps and leaning over the wall etc

Possibilities are boundless

Canis Lupus

o1s1n wrote: »

Motion controls are a gimmick. Being smack bang in the middle of a VR world with full headtracking is not a gimmick, it's the next truly interesting step in videogames and I for one cannot wait

From a personal pov I don't think I could see myself with them. My GF would probably disown me and I'd feel daft sitting with it on my head.

For FPS I'm more than dubious over the controls. I can't see how they'll get head, body and movement working more accurately then current methods.

For every other game type it'd be pointless/gimmicky.

I'm not saying I'm not impressed just I don't see it's worth at this time.

aN.Droid

Canis Lupus wrote: »

From a personal pov I don't think I could see myself with them. My GF would probably disown me and I'd feel daft sitting with it on my head.

For FPS I'm more than dubious over the controls. I can't see how they'll get head, body and movement working more accurately then current methods.

For every other game type it'd be pointless/gimmicky.

I'm not saying I'm not impressed just I don't see it's worth at this time.

I am getting one of these as soon as I can

As an avid gamer (MANY hours per day) I can't wait to be able to play some of my favourite games and new games in a whole new way.

Can you imagine being immersed into a fantasy realm such as skyrim and being able to have control over the character as if it was you yourself galloping through the valleys on your steed with your trusty axe on your back?

How about the likes of the horror Genre. I am getting goosebumps just thinking about playing an Amnesia type game with full immersion.

The competitive gaming scene will stay as it is. Don't see people getting to excited over this for the likes of counter strike and call of duty. Mouse, keyboard, monitor and headset is perfect for them.

Most FPS games aren't as immersive as other games so the oculus rift probably will not be catered much in them except for the more story and environment driven games.

Can't wait to get my hands on one!

Icyseanfitz

but if everyone had that attitude we would never have vr as sure feck it screens are good enough, who cares what you look like? your in a bloody room with a computer, its not meant to be a fashion statement, VR is the next big step i want to see in gaming, screw all this crappy kinect/move/wii ****e

Canis Lupus

Limericks wrote: »

I am getting one of these as soon as I can

As an avid gamer (MANY hours per day) I can't wait to be able to play some of my favourite games and new games in a whole new way.

Can you imagine being immersed into a fantasy realm such as skyrim and being able to have control over the character as if it was you yourself galloping through the valleys on your steed with your trusty axe on your back?

How about the likes of the horror Genre. I am getting goosebumps just thinking about playing an Amnesia type game with full immersion.

The competitive gaming scene will stay as it is. Don't see people getting to excited over this for the likes of counter strike and call of duty. Mouse, keyboard, monitor and headset is perfect for them.

Most FPS games aren't as immersive as other games so the oculus rift probably will not be catered much in them except for the more story and environment driven games.

Can't wait to get my hands on one!

I'm just as avid. I'm rarely off my pc. I'll concede the horror genre, there potential there but not enough to make me want one.

I think it's cool but I'm asking myself, would I come from work and put that on to game. The answer is no for me. Mostly because I'll still be sitting at my pc with a keyboard and mouse.

When it comes to market I guess we'll see if its truly adopted. My opinion is it will just be a little blip, soon abandoned.

Re seany, yeah looks matter I think. I'm not going to be keen on using something that makes me feel silly particularly as I share a flat with the GF.

aN.Droid

Canis Lupus wrote: »

I'm just as avid. I'm rarely off my pc. I'll concede the horror genre, there potential there but not enough to make me want one.

I think it's cool but I'm asking myself, would I come from work and put that on to game. The answer is no for me. Mostly because I'll still be sitting at my pc with a keyboard and mouse.

When it comes to market I guess we'll see if its truly adopted. My opinion is it will just be a little blip, soon abandoned.

Re seany, yeah looks matter I think. I'm not going to be keen on using something that makes me feel silly particularly as I share a flat with the GF.

Fair enough you are entitled to your opinion but I among others are looking forward to the next step in gaming. Whether that is the oculus rift or not is yet to be seen but it is one step closer either way.

Bit silly to not use this because of aesthetics. I am sure your GF will not care. And even if she does laugh at you it will only be for a minute

Bloodwing

Oculus Rift combined with Euro Truck Simulator = months of my life wasted driving around a virtual Europe. The sooner this is on the market the better!

Canis Lupus

Canis Lupus wrote: »

Re seany, yeah looks matter I think. I'm not going to be keen on using something that makes me feel silly particularly as I share a flat with the GF.

No offence but if you are afraid to look a little silly in front of your girlfriend then it doesn't see like you have a particularly good relationship. Me and my girlfriend shared a place during the summer and I never once felt silly when wearing my 3D vision glasses or anything else. Ill happily wear the Oculus Rift in front of her and not feel the least but silly nor will she think that I do. I take it that you wouldn't play the wii or kinect in the comfort of your own he in case you look silly if your girlfriend was home?

Icyseanfitz

Canis Lupus wrote: »

I'm just as avid. I'm rarely off my pc. I'll concede the horror genre, there potential there but not enough to make me want one.

I think it's cool but I'm asking myself, would I come from work and put that on to game. The answer is no for me. Mostly because I'll still be sitting at my pc with a keyboard and mouse.

When it comes to market I guess we'll see if its truly adopted. My opinion is it will just be a little blip, soon abandoned.

Re seany, yeah looks matter I think. I'm not going to be keen on using something that makes me feel silly particularly as I share a flat with the GF.

ah balderdash, pants in the relationship blah blah :pac: in all seriousness though if you cant be silly at home where the feck can you, tbh im sitting at a pc playing games anyway so most "normal" people would see that as nerdy etc. adding an oculus really isnt going to change that

o1s1n

Canis Lupus wrote: »

Re seany, yeah looks matter I think. I'm not going to be keen on using something that makes me feel silly particularly as I share a flat with the GF.

Most ridiculous argument ever! Feck sake man, think about it, if it's done correctly, you could be in a game. Total immersion in a virtual reality. It's proper sci fi gaming come to life. Think of the possibilities. Combined with motion controlling...it is going to build up to something great.

If all men didn't do things because they didn't want to feel silly in front of their girlfriends then the world would be a very boring place :pac:

Men need their silly things. Reasonable girlfriends know that and let them at it.

Baked.noodle

I presume that each eye receives a separate image. If so, it should be straight forward to have a 3D image in virtual reality. Sounds class.

jumbobreakfast

I wonder how many people will fall asleep with them on and then wake up in minecraft or whatever and be really confused or freaked out for a few seconds

Asmodean

I remember looking at this during the kickstarter phase and forgot all about it till last night and now I'm very very excited again. The only thing I'm worried about is what price they would consider 'affordable' . Either way I think it's going to have to be a piece of kit I pick up. Apparently Mirrors edge is one of the compatible launch games. Can you imagine. *Vomit*

Squidwert

They are aiming for $300 or lower for the consumer version.

balkieb2002

I had actually completely forgotten about these but looking back over this thread has gotten me excited about them again. My main worry was due to the fact I wear glasses I am worried how these will work but after reading more about them (including answers on this thread) I'm hopeful that shouldn't be an issue.

You can pre-order the Oculus Rift developer kit and access to the Oculus SDK from their website for $300 with an expected delivery date of April 2013!

grizzly

Imagine the youtube footage this will generate – the pranks folks will pull while you're wearing this.

Squidwert

I love the guy's reaction in this vid. He looks bored till he put it on.:)